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Can cryptosporidiosis lay dormant in my healthy pet reptile for years?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Reptile | Python | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 7 months old

Hi, a friend of mine breeds leopard geckos and found out one of them possibly has crypto and told me mine might be carrying it as well. I have one gecko from her (I got her about two years ago), another from a pet store, and one ball python. I keep them all separated and dont share food bowls, etc. Mine are all eating and seem healthy, but according to my friend, crypto can lay dormant for years. Is that true? What should I do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on October 23rd, 2018

You can have Salem examined by your veterinarian. A stool sample or gastric biopsy can be submitted to diagnose crypto. In snakes, the disease may indeed remain dormant for years before producing clinical symptoms. In geckos, cryptic is also known as "Stick Tail". Infected geckos will waste away and eventually die. Keep any infected pets separated. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Keep them eating and maintain proper environmental parameters. You can use Emeraid to supplement the diet as needed and soak affected pets daily, or weekly, to maintain hydration.

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    Answered By Todd Cecil

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Yes, cryptosporidiosis can remain dormant until the immune system wanes. Cyrptosporidiosis can sometimes be diagnosed through a fecal exam and special stain, but that test will only be positive if the animal is currently shedding the virus. The better test would be endoscopic examination with biopsies of the stomach, but this can be expensive and not sure if necessary without clinical signs. Continue to practice good biosecurity, keeping the environment clean, and don't cross contaminate. Good luck.

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